Health Services Research (PHHS)
Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health
Abstract
The doctoral program in Health Services Research provides interdisciplinary training in research and policy analysis relevant to the planning, administration, management, and evaluation of health and health care programs. The degree will prepare students to advance research, policy, and practice change that improves access, cost, and quality in the health care sector. The program requires 53-56 credits, depending on whether the student enters with an MPH degree. Students take 9 required courses that cover theory and methods relevant to the field, a 1-credit research ethics course, and a 1-credit applied statistical programming course. Students without an MPH take a foundational public health course. Together with their advisor, students select 4 elective courses that allow for specialization. The area of specialization is specific to the student but might include health economics, policy analysis, health equity, or outcomes research. After completing the coursework, students must pass a qualifying exam and then a dissertation proposal defense. After the dissertation proposal defense, students enter candidacy and take dissertation credits, which culminate in a doctoral dissertation and an oral dissertation defense. For further information, go to https://sph.umd.edu/academics/doctoral-degrees/phd-health-services-research. For further information, go to sph.umd.edu/phd-health-services-research.
CONTACT
Michel Boudreaux, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Director
Department of Health Policy and Management
School of Public Health
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.6118
Email: mhb@umd.edu
Website: sph.umd.edu/phd-health-services-research
Relationships: Health Administration (HLSO) Health Equity (HLEQ) Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation (HPAE) Public Health Practice and Policy (PHPP) Health Care Management(HLCM)
The PhD program in Health Services Research has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (www.sophas.org), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed when both the SOPHAS and the UMD Supplemental applications are completed and verified.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A Bachelor's degree
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Transcripts from all previous coursework
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
- Statement of purpose and objectives, including career and educational goals, professional experience, and research areas of interest
- Response to personal experiences question(s)
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
- A master's degree in public health, health administration, health services, economics, business administration or a related field
- Documented potential for research
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Fit between applicant's goals, expectations and research interests, program competencies, and faculty expertise
- Official GRE test scores taken in the last 5 years are optional. Have ETS send scores to SOPHAS (code 0485)
Note for applicants with foreign credentials:
- The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation
- The UMD supplemental application requires the upload of unofficial transcripts issued in the original language along with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information
- Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website
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Language scores must be submitted both to SOPHAS and UMD supplemental application
For detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the School of Public Health Website: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Type of Applicant | Fall Deadline |
|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | |
| US Citizens and Permanent Residents | December 19, 2025 |
| International Applicants | |
| F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants | December 19, 2025 |
RESOURCES AND LINKS
Department website: sph.umd.edu/department-health-policy-and-management
Program Website: sph.umd.edu/phd-health-services-research
Application Process: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-faqs
| Last Name | First/Middle Name | Graduate Faculty Status | Academic Credentials | Positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boudreaux | Michel | Full Member | B.A., Augsburg College, 2003; M.S., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2009; Ph.D., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2014 | Associate Professor, Health Administration Assistant Professor, Health Equity Assistant Professor, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation Assistant Professor, Health Services |
| Chen | Jie | Full Member | B.S., Shanghai University, 2001; M.A., SUNY-Stony Brook, 2006; Ph.D., SUNY-Stony Brook, 2008 | Chair, Health Administration Associate Professor, Health Administration Associate Professor, Health Equity Associate Professor, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation Associate Professor, Health Services |
| Thomas | Stephen | Full Member | B.S., Ohio State University, 1980; M.S., Illinois State University, 1981; Ph.D., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1985 | Professor, Health Administration Professor, Health Equity Professor, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation Professor, Health Services |